With $20,000 in funding, expert mentorship and a fast track to retail, a new accelerator is giving food startups the chance to turn sustainable US seafood into the next breakout CPG brand.
Positively Groundfish, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting West Coast fisheries and coastal economies, has launched the Catch+Create Accelerator – a six-month program designed to help early-stage startups and small businesses transform underutilized West Coast groundfish into innovative, value-added products that meet surging consumer demand for sustainable, story-driven food.
“Whether you’re working on canned seafood, seafood snacks, prepared meal solutions, frozen products, pet food, or even novel ways to utilize groundfish byproducts, we’re ready to help you launch your product,” according to the website.
How it works
The inaugural Catch+Create cohort will feature five companies developing products that range from canned seafood and frozen meals to snacks, pet food and inventive uses for groundfish byproducts. The program focuses on three key areas: product development, supply chain and operations and retail readiness.
Participants will receive:
- Up to $20,000 for product development costs like branding, packaging, recipe commercialization, nutrient testing and web design.
- Regular one-on-one mentorship from seasoned industry experts in food science, accounting, IP law, and marketing.
- Market data and consumer insights via large-panel testing and access to an exclusive market intelligence library.
- Networking opportunities with seafood industry leaders, supply chain stakeholders and CPG insiders along the West Coast.
- Peer-to-peer connections with other founders navigating similar growth challenges.
The course runs online with two-hour classes every two weeks, supplemented by three in-person gatherings, including a kickoff, a midpoint check-in and a final pitch event where participants present to buyers, investors and media.
Launch support beyond the program
The program is designed so that graduates will not just leave with a product − they will launch with momentum. Positively Groundfish offers a post-program package that includes:
- $30,000 launch marketing support
- A professional photo and video asset suite
- Exhibition opportunities at two trade shows
- A dedicated social media advertising budget
- Six months of PR expert support
- Two years of Positively Groundfish membership
Eligibility and expectations
The program is open to solo founders or teams based in the US who incorporate West Coast groundfish species into a value-added product in a minimum of 50% of products in the brand’s planned range. Participants must commit to sustainable practices, meet the program’s time requirements (50 hours of class and a minimum of 12 hours with mentors) and take part in program media activities.
Positively Groundfish takes no equity. Instead, startups that go on to secure a successful funding round pledge a “pay-it-forward” donation of $20,000 to help fund future cohorts.
Who should apply?
Catch+Create is seeking founders, entrepreneurs and innovators working in food and beverage, sustainability or seafood. The program also welcomes culinary professionals and product developers interested in exploring emerging seafood trends, as well as anyone passionate about supporting West Coast fisheries and building sustainable food systems.
How to land this big fish
Entrepreneurs can attend the Catch+Create Accelerator webinar on Aug. 20 to learn about the program, application process and selection criteria. Details are available on Eventbrite.
